Chief Financial Officer

Are you a strategic financial leader looking for a role where you can guide organizational success while making a meaningful impact in the community If so read on!

About Saginaw Transit Authority and Regional Services

Saginaw Transit Authority and Regional Services (STARS) is a vital public transportation provider serving the Urbanized Saginaw Area and plays an essential role in connecting the community. Operating approximately 1.5 million miles annually and serving more than 3300 riders each day the organization helps residents access employment opportunities education healthcare shopping and other essential destinations.

As a key partner in regional economic development the organization is committed to providing reliable accessible transportation solutions that enhance mobility and quality of life throughout the addition to its fixed-route services it offers specialized transportation through its LIFT program which supports seniors and individuals with disabilities providing more than 48000 rides each year to those who rely on safe and dependable transportation. Their mission-driven approach makes a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of residents across the region.

About the Opportunity
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and provides strategic direction oversight and accountability for all financial operations. The Chief Financial Officer supports and advances STARS Mission Vision and Values through ethical leadership responsible stewardship of public resources sound financial decision-making and a commitment to organizational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and serve as the Authoritys chief advisor on financial planning forecasting budgeting investments funding strategies and fiscal sustainability.
• Monitor organizational financial performance and recommend initiatives that improve operational efficiency and financial health.
• Direct and oversee all accounting budgeting financial reporting treasury management accounts payable accounts receivable procurement and grants administration functions.
• Develop implement and maintain effective internal controls accounting systems and financial management practices that ensure accurate reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards FTA regulations MDOT requirements and all applicable federal state and local laws.
• Coordinate annual financial audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors regulatory agencies and funding partners.
• Lead the annual operating and capital budget development process and provide ongoing monitoring of revenues expenditures and budget performance.
• Prepare and present financial reports analyses forecasts and recommendations for executive leadership Board committees and the Board of Directors.
• Direct all aspects of federal state and local grant financial administration.
• Lead coach develop and evaluate Finance Department employees while fostering a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Collaborate effectively with internal departments governmental agencies auditors funding organizations vendors and community stakeholders.

About You

• Demonstrated progressive experience in finance accounting budgeting or financial management.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams develop employees manage change and foster a collaborative accountable culture.
• Skilled in analyzing interpreting and presenting complex financial data to develop strategic recommendations that support organizational goals and decision-making.
• Able to build strong relationships with board members stakeholders and the community.
• Proficient in enterprise financial management systems accounting software financial modeling tools reporting platforms and data analytics solutions.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including advanced Excel Word Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing complex budgets grants audits and regulatory compliance activities.
• Strong understanding of FTA and MDOT regulations grant administration regulatory compliance public procurement requirements and federal and state funding programs.
• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration Public Administration or a closely related field is required.
• Masters degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration (MBA) Public Administration or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in public sector governmental transit transportation or other highly regulated environments preferred.
• Professional certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or equivalent designation is strongly preferred.

Benefits
In addition to competitive wages STARS provides a variety of valuable benefits and retirement programs designed to support employees and their families.

Health & Welfare Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance (no employee premium)
• Vision Insurance (no employee premium)
• Group Life Insurance (no employee premium)
• Short-Term Disability Insurance (no employee premium)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (no employee premium)

Employees have access to additional voluntary benefits including:

• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Dependent Care Spending Accounts

STARS also provides a variety of employer-sponsored programs that add significant value to total compensation:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holiday Benefits
• MERS Hybrid Benefit Pension Plan
• MissionSquare 457 Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• MERS Retiree Health Savings Program (RHSP)